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The city of Boston is dear to the hearts of all members of Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), for it was here that Paramahansa Yogananda began his mission of bringing Kriya Yoga to the West. Describing a meditation center in Boston, Yoganandaji wrote in a 1944 letter to Dr. Lewis, one of his first disciples in the United States:
I am overjoyed to see you are earnestly going after a Center in Boston — my first love in America. We must do as much good as possible while alive… Sitting by the Charles River with Sister Yogamata, I used to be consumed with the desire and urge for a Boston Center. When a permanent Center is created, the atmosphere would be different and it will grow when advertised and regularly taken care of. There should be a nice altar and spiritual atmosphere. The symptomatic treatment of the permanent Center would give new confidence in people…
Devotees of the Boston Meditation Group of Self-Realization Fellowship (BMG), in concert with guidance from Self- Realization Fellowship, have decided that the time has arrived to manifest this holy vision. The prospect of our own center is one that inspires, for Yoganandaji said that it would be a spiritual oasis for current devotees and a beacon that will attract new ones. It will also be a spiritual home to all SRF devotees when they visit Boston.
Before initiating this project, the BMG held numerous meetings, met with monastics from SRF, and conducted two membership surveys to gauge the enthusiasm for this project and to determine the requirements for the new center (survey results can be viewed at www.bostonmeditationgroup.org). Efforts made by other meditation groups to establish permanent centers were also reviewed. Our planning resulted in these criteria for the new center:
We will begin by looking for properties in the Waltham area, as it is easily reached from all points near Boston, and will explore property in nearby communities as well.
If you would like to contribute to the establishment of a permanent center for SRF in the Boston area, we warmly invite you to participate in any way you see fit: tax-deductible donations, prayers, or words of encouragement and advice. Your participation in any or all of these ways is warmly welcome and deeply appreciated. Whether you make donations directly to SRF for this project, or to the Boston Meditation Group, your donations are held in the tax-deductible Boston Building Fund that SRF established to purchase a permanent center in Boston. You will receive documentation of your donations for tax purposes.
From time to time we will convey information to BMG members and SRF regarding specific properties we are investigating or wish to purchase.
If sufficient funds come in to make a purchase, SRF must approve of the acquisition and the timing of the acquisition. If not, the funds will remain in the Boston Building Fund. If insufficient funds come in, SRF will decline to make the purchase for that reason.
The Boston Building Fund is established through Fall 2011. If a property is not acquired by that time, SRF will consider extending the term of the fund or re-allocating the funds to another area of SRF's work.
Paramahansa Yogananda once wrote:
You do not know how much it means to me to know that you are all cooperating in such a wonderful way, to help with the tremendous work we are doing in this temple. What you are doing is very pleasing to God and the Masters, and you who are privileged to share in this pioneering work are much blessed, more than you can know. I am with you all in Him, and I know you are working for the cause.
If you wish to make a donation, please see our how to donate page, which describes all the ways in which you can contribute and provides other important information.
In keeping with the aims and ideals of Self-Realization Fellowship, we will not be contacting members individually to solicit donations or to discuss pledges. We are happy, however, to answer any of your questions, and invite you to contact the Building Committee of Boston Meditation Group, at the BMG address above or at bc@bostonmeditationgroup.org.
We will be mailing periodic announcements about our progress and other information such as potential properties under consideration. All are welcome to suggest properties as part of the acquisition review process and all will be given an opportunity to comment on the suitability of properties.
We also encourage you to revisit this site to learn more about this project and for ongoing updates. We once again invite you to join us in this uplifting endeavor, and thank you for your interest and support.
BMG Building Initiative